Tuesday, 28 February 2017

Most readers will be aware that The Masters are working hard to make up the days that we missed through snow and frost and as a result there have been and may be changes to the Meet Card. At this stage in the season with so few weeks left it would be a shame to miss a meet so the advice is to check at each Meet the where and when of the next.

Despite the forecast the weather held for long enough for the generosity of our hosts to be enjoyed in the dry. A big thank you to all concerned.

Having arrived early there was time to visit the churchyard to admire the snowdrops and spend a few minutes in quiet reflection by the grave of Lieutenant R Hunt (RA) who died on 23/9/42 aged 41 years. The CWGC are undertaking a project to place a sign at the entrance to every graveyard that contains a War Grave. At present progress is greatest in Scotland where the management of burial grounds makes permissions easier. As you drive across the Western Isles these signs are a solemn reminder of the sacrifice made by so many that we might enjoy the peace and freedom that we have today.

After the third or fourth draw with hounds seeking the trails the rain came in like a flood and causing many of those following on foot or horseback to doubt their sanity.

The Stern

Whose stitches and buttons certainly "did their duty" today?
Who is looking forward to eating on Wednesday?
Who took refuge near the warm stove?
Who appeared to be stowing a 5 gallon jerry can of Sloe Gin?

Sunday, 26 February 2017

It is notable and very pleasing that this season has seen new faces joining us mounted and on foot. One couple were warned when they came out for the second time that they would soon find themselves addicted and sure enough they are now regular Saturday riders. As Charles Dickens wrote, "There is a passion for hunting something deeply implanted in the human breast." While there are a few out there who have inverted that passion and hunt the hunters it is your correspondent's experience that those who come along with an open mind rarely do so just the once. Whether it's the comradeship of the hunting community, the thrill of riding across country that otherwise would be denied them or the wonder of watching hounds work there is something about following hounds that ignites the heart. This is true even in these days of seeking out trails.

Newcomers are all aware that we are committed to seeing the repeal of the Hunting Act 2014 and a return to hunting live quarry. Some will say that should that happen the new supporters will cease to support us but they fail to understand how that passion works, its strength and hunting's place in the countryside.

Even if the hound work does not engage them, stupendously generous meets are certainly addictive, followed by an equally lavish tea at the end of the day! For that generosity a big thank you to two of our Joint Masters who looked after all quite royally.

The Meet could have lasted most of the day - there was certainly enough food and drink to say nothing of catching up with old friends who turned out to support the EKHwWS.

Heard on the hunting field - actually before even getting to a field!

Said by my 8yr old nephew, being chaparoned from the lead rein by "L" on his first hunt, wearing his late mother's jacket, a very special and proud day for him, and all of us, albeit with a few tearful moments......

So.....before they'd even moved off from the meet, with his dad's hip flask in his pocket, he says ....

"When will we be stopping for food do you think?"

As you can imagine, we all fell about laughing!!

The Stern

Having invested in a new hunt coat, what will be the next addition as the addiction takes hold?

Photographs

These and many more may be found by clicking HERE for Gallery 1 and HERE for Gallery 2.

Thursday, 23 February 2017

A large crowd of followers, supporters and riders gathered in front of a wonderfully British backdrop to enjoy the kind and generous hospitality of our host who also provided access to much of the trail-laying country - thank you.

Events

Do remember to check our calendar page - many new events have been added recently.

Monday, 20 February 2017

As ever, a huge thank you to our hosts and landowners for a terrific meet and access to some wonderful country. The large crowd of supporters, followers and riders enjoyed our hosts' generosity before moving off for a day filled with hound music.

A special thank you to the "EKHwWS Support Services" who provided the solution to a transport problem.

Thursday, 16 February 2017

Well it was a first for your correspondent to be at this particular meet in the sunshine. A huge thank you to our host and landowner for her generosity - this is a meet where, once the savouries, cakes and drinks have been consumed, all are pressed to fill their pockets with sweets to fortify them through the day.

The country for the day is loaned by the AVTH and we were delighted to be joined CB MFH.

Hounds looked terrific as they left the meet and went on to try and find the first trail.

The Stern

How do photographers pass their time waiting for the field to jump a hunt fence?

Photographs

These and many more may be viewed by clicking HERE
The images below may be magnified with a click.